71: What Happened to Joseph Smith’s Stone Box? | Ep. 2126
About this episode
This episode explores the historical narrative surrounding Joseph Smith's stone box and its significance in Mormon history.
In his official 1838 history, Joseph Smith described discovering the golden plates inside a carefully constructed stone box in the Hill Cumorah. According to his account, the box contained the plates, the Urim and Thummim, and a breastplate.But what happened to that stone box?In this episode of LDS Discussions, we take a deep dive into the historical record surrounding the stone box narrative. We compare Joseph Smith’s 1838 history with earlier and later accounts, statements from witnesses like David Whitmer, Martin Harris, and Oliver Cowdery, and later retellings from leaders such as Brigham Young.We explore:-What Joseph Smith said was inside the box-Whether early Saints believed there was MORE than one box-Claims about swords, the Liahona, and other Nephite artifacts-The evolution of the story over time-Whether codex-style plates create anachronistic problems-The “magic worldview” shared by early Mormon leaders-Comparisons to treasure-digging culture-Why there is no physical evidence of the stone box todayWe also examine 19th century newspaper references discussing the stone box, Whitmer’s later (contradictory) interviews, and the strange disappearance of a stone structure that…
More episodes of LDS Discussions - Mormon Truth Claims Examined
- 70: Where Did Joseph Smith Get the Idea for Ancient Plates?
- 69: The Other Isaiah Problem w/ Kolby Reddish
- 68: Could Joseph Smith write or dictate a well-worded letter?
- 67: Nahom – The Strongest Evidence for the Book of Mormon?
- 66: Was Joseph Smith Credible?
- 65: New Church Essay on Translation and Polygamy
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